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When to Plant Yarrow in Monterey County, CA

Yarrow is a drought-tolerant perennial herb with feathery foliage and flat-topped flower clusters in white, yellow, pink, or red. It attracts beneficial insects and is used in herbal medicine.

Monterey County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 13 and the first fall frost is November 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 249 days.

At an elevation of 260 feet, Monterey County receives approximately 12.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 93Β°F, providing good warmth for Yarrow during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Yarrow successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Monterey County, CA (Zone 9b) Long season
249 days
Last Spring Frost March 13
249 growing days
First Fall Frost November 17

Monterey County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Yarrow

Yarrow needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Yarrow Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Apr 4.3" 1" 3.3" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 0.3" 4" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.1" 4.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 0" 4.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 0" 4.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 0.1" 4.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 0.5" 3.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec β€” 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Monterey County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Yarrow Planting Timeline β€” Monterey County, CA

Yarrow Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 20 Mar 20 – Apr 3
Harvest June 19 Jun 19 – Sep 4

Plant 0.5" deep Β· 8" apart Β· Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February β€”
March Transplant Outdoors
April Transplant Outdoors
May β€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Low β€” drought tolerant

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

90–120 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 9b

πŸ“† Growing Season

249 days in Monterey County

Growing Tips for Monterey County

Direct sow or start from divisions. Yarrow thrives in poor soil and is very drought-tolerant. Deadhead to encourage reblooming. Divide clumps every 3 years.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Yarrow in Monterey County, CA?

Monterey County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of March 13. Plan your Yarrow planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Monterey County, CA?

Monterey County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 13 and first fall frost is November 17.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Monterey County gardeners in Zone 9b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Monterey County, CA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.